Welcome to our blog series on collaboration and co-design! These articles explore how working together drives innovative solutions to social issues. Join us for inspiring stories, practical tips, and dreamings on the power of collective creativity.
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Co-design or faux design?
I fell into “Co-design or faux design” back in 2018 when nervously presenting to a conference to service designers and researchers who where all apparently co-designing everything. And to put salt on the wound, I also have had a great conversation with Simon Katterl about faux-design dynamics. When I was presenting I suspect: Since then…
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Rupture and repair in co-design zine
It contains images and stories from practice to get us reflecting on experiences we have as co-designers and “being okay in it not being okay.” The purpose was to present an alternative narrative to the uncritical, ‘glossy’ accounts of co-design, and draw attention to what happens when challenges are encountered in practice. Also, to identify opportunities…
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Gradient of Partnering
Teams and projects worldwide use the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum to determine their level of participation. The Gradient of Partnering provides a way to assess and improve partnerships, moving away from rigid levels towards a more flexible and practical approach. This tool aims to establish a ‘Partnering zone’ for collaborative decision-making.
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Guide to Valuing Lived experience
This guide aims to aid Victorian services in implementing partnerships with community members. Offering practical strategies and guidance based on global practices. It caters to health services, government agencies, and organizations engaging with communities, providing insights on recognizing lived experiences and budgeting for engagements. It emphasizes the importance of valuing lived experience and provides resources…
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Checklist: Are you ready for co-design?
The post emphasises thoughtful considerations before initiating a co-design project. It prompts reflection on the team’s readiness, necessary partnerships, support for participants, inclusion of diverse perspectives, and sustainable collaboration. The inquiry extends to resource allocation, participant empowerment, and potential long-term impact.
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Spirals and squiggles a model for using co-design for improvement
The Spirals and Squiggles diagram, developed by co-design crew at Safer Care Victoria, illustrates the co-design process and its connection to improvement science. The diagram visually depicts key stages, including build conditions, immerse and align, discover and design, design, test and refine, and implement and learn, using color-coded lines. It is based on various visual…
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Checklist: Can you bake in co‑creation, not bolt it on?
This week I’ve been listening to the Collaboratory podcast Laying the foundations for co-creation (32:52). It had wonderful guests like Emma Blomkamp, Michelle Halse, Rebecca McNaught and Antti Pirinen. Credits: Hosts: Maya Haviland, Nicole Deen, Audio Engineer: Nick McCorriston In many ways it reflects many of the thoughts that swish around in my mind as…
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Giant Steps Co‑design : the power of collaboration
On 26th of May 2022 we hosted an interactive learning session at Giant Steps Co-design : the power of collaboration. What did we do? We have a fun, jam packed session for you today that is centred around having fun, learning by doing and aims to build your interest and curiosity around co-design and partnering.…
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Workshop mindsets
In the ever-evolving world, the art of forging genuine connections remains timeless. Whether it’s with colleagues, clients, or partners, establishing a genuine rapport paves the way for collaborative success.
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Design Activism and Design Justice
The post reflects the transformative power of design activism in fostering social impact and inclusion. Alastair Fuad-Luke and Ezio Manzini advocate for co-design and strategic use of design to trigger social innovation. The Design Justice Network emphasizes the need for broader participation in design processes, particularly by those most affected by design decisions.
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Where did co‑design come from?
This article provides a comprehensive overview of co-design, covering its origins, influences, and toolkit. It explores cooperative design, collaborative inquiry, influences like Design for All and Human-Centred Design, and the concept of Design Activism. The role of toolkits like MakeTools in facilitating co-design processes is also highlighted. This multidisciplinary approach emphasizes the need for inclusivity…
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The case for co‑design
Co-design is a powerful tool, capturing diverse voices and improving products and services. It’s not just another form of consultation. Immediate benefits include original ideas, understanding user needs, and validation. Long-term benefits encompass customer satisfaction and support for innovation. For more, check out case studies from VicHealth and WACOSS.
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Co-design’s many names
Co-design, also known as participatory design, has a rich history and is not as new as commonly thought. It has evolved over 60 years, originating in social research and community development. There are numerous related practices and disciplines, such as human-centered design, participatory action research, and co-creation, all contributing to its maturity.
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What is Co-design?
In an ever-shifting business landscape, adaptability isn’t just a trait—it’s a competitive advantage. Companies that embrace change, learn from challenges, and pivot when necessary are the ones that not only survive but also thrive in uncertain environments.
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